Corn cutting machine



y 5, 1964 R. COVER ETAL 3,131,699

CORN CUTTING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24, 1957 15 Sheets-Sheet 1INVENTORS RALPH COVER PAUL F.COVER @m Ma ATTORNEYS May 5, 196 R. COVERETAL CORN CUTTING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet2 RN ouw INVENTORS RALPH COV E R PAUL F.COVER ATTORNEYS y 5,1964 R.COVER ETAL 3,131,699

CORN CUTTING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet 3INVENTORS Y RALPH COVER ATTORNEYS y 5, 1954' R. COVER ETAL 3,131,699

- CORN cu'r'rmc MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet 4o /54 255 2a 30 242 256 I [20 m J )ll I J 52 I hi I l l INVENTORS RALPHCOVER PAUL F. GOVVER MM/w, M)

ATTORNEYS R. COVER ETAL 3,131,699

CORN CUTTING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24, 1957 May 5, 1964 1:5Sheets-Sheet 5 428 INVENTORS 1 RALPH COVER PAUL F. COVER ATTORNEYS y 5,1954 R. COVER ETAL 3,131,699

' CORN CUTTING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24, 195'? 13 Sheets-Sheet 6RALPH COVER PAUL F. COVER ATTORNEY s May 5, 1964 R. COVER ETAL CORNCUTTING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet 8INVENTORS RALPH COVER PAUL F. COVER ATTORNEYS R. COVER ETAL 3,131,699

CORN CUTTING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24, 1957 F IGJZ.

mvsm'ons RALPH COVER PAUL F. COVER ATTORNEYS y 5, 1954 R. COVER ETAL3,131,699

CORN CUTTING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24, 1957 15 Sheets-Sheet 10FIG. 13.

SETTINGS BF-JS DEPTH OF C UT Ii 1% I2 I93 H4076 2 27a%298272 EARDIAMETER FIG'JZ INVENTORS R A L PH C OV ER T PAUL F.COVER ATTORNEYS #4I58 11k #6 I23 1%! 2. 21354293 212 May 5, 1964 R. COVER ETAL CORNCUTTING MACHINE Original Filed Sept. 24, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet ll May 5,1964 R. COVER ETAL.

CORN CUTTING MACHINE l3 Sheets-Sheet 12 Original Filed Sept. 24, 1957INVENTORS COV E R ATTORNEYS May 5, 1964 R. COVER ETAL CORN CUTTINGMACHINE 13 Sheets-Sheet 13 Original Filed Sept. 24, 1957 RALPH ATTORNEYSUnited States Patent 3,131,699 CORN CUTTING MACHINE Ralph Cover and PaulF. Cover, both The United Company, Tuc Road, Westminster, Md.

Original application Sept. 24, 1957, Ser. No. 685,866 now Patent No.2,951,484, dated Sept. 6, 1960. Divided and this application Feb. 1,1960, Ser. No. 5,720

6 Claims. (Cl. 130-49) This invention relates to machines for cuttingcorn and more particularly to an improved machine for cutting kernelsfrom ears of fresh green com. This application constitutes a division ofour application Serial No. 685,- 866, tiled September 24, 1957, nowPatent No. 2,951,484, dated September 6, 1960.

Heretofore, the-re have been two general types of corn cutting equipmentutilized in the corn processing industry. One type of machine utilizes acutting head in which a series of eircumferentially spaced cuttingblades are mounted for substantially radial movement only and the earsto be out are :fed individually through the cutting blades by areciprocating pusher rod. Generally, machines of this type embody a pairof opposed cutting heads and a unitary pusher bar assembly reciprocatesbetween the cutting heads, alternatively feeding one ear to one headduring movement toward the same and the next car to the other head asthe pusher rod moves in the opposite direction. These machines have theadvantage that each ear of corn is handled individually and the cuttingblades do not move rapidly with respect to the ear being cut, so that anaccurate cut is possible.

Another type of machine embodies the utilization of a series ofcircumferentially spaced cutting blades which are not only movableradially, but are rotated about their common axis as well. In general,the ears of corn are fed to the cutting head by a continuous conveyingsystem so I that the ears pass through the cutting head in end to endrelation. Such machines have a high operational speed. However, becausethey elfect the cutting of the kernels with a high relative movementbetween the cutting blades and the ear of corn being cut, accuracy ofcut is not easily obtained.

The present invention contemplates the provision of an improved cutterhead,'particularly adapted to be utilized in a reciprocating type corncutting machine which is capable of a high degree of accuracy of out. Itwill be understood that the efficient removal of kernels from the earsof corn, for canning or other purposes, cannot merely be resolved into aquestion of the number of cars cut by a given machine in a given periodof time. The more significant factor is the number of cases recoveredfrom a ton of corn, rather than the time required to remove the kernels.It is obvious that a cutting machine could be provided which wouldsimply remove all of the material close to the base of the cob, so thata 100% recovery of the kernels is obtained. However, the quality of thecorn recovered is also an important factor. By cutting the corn tooclose to the cob, several highly disadvantageous results occur and thequality of the corn is adversely afiected. Tests have shown that theembryo at the base of each kernel has a deleterious effect both upon thetaste and color of canned corn after a considerable period of time inthe can. Consequently, it is important to cut the corn so that thepercentage of embryomaterial in the kernels recovered is reduced to aSecond, the quality of the corn is largely determined by the extent ofmoisture contained in the kernels recovered and it has been found thatthe moisture content of a kernel is greater at the tip and reducestoward the base where the embryo is located. Thus, a shallower cut willresult in a better quality in the recovered kernels.

It is well known that an ear of corn grows such that the exteriordiameter is not disposed in a perfect circle. That is, virutally everycar contains a flat side which is disposed from the theoretical axis ofthe cob a distance less than the tips of the remaining kernels. In highspeed machines, the cut is often made so that the kernels on the flatside are out too deeply and the kernels on the side opposite thereof areout too shallowly. Moreover, varietal characteristics differsubstantially and many of the hybrid varieties, which are being producedat increasing rates, taper throughout most, if not all, of theirlongitudinal extent. It has been found that the exterior diameter ofthese tapering hybrid varieties, as well as others, bear a relation tothe depth of the kernel. That is, the greater the diameter of the ear,the greater the depth of the kernel. High speed machines of the rotarytype effect cutting of the kernels from the average ear in a third of asecond during which time the blades move in a rotary path approximatelythirty inches. Therefore, it is apparent that they are incapable ofadjusting to accommodate the varying size kernels contained within thetapered hybrid varieties. High speed machine-s, therefore, out such cornvery inefiiciently, perhaps too shallow at the large end and too deep atthe small end. I

As noted above, the cutting head of the present invention isparticularly adapted for use in reciprocating type corn cuttingmachines. Preferably, the cutting blades of the present cutting headhave a total movement of approximately and in cutting any given ear,only a portion of this movement will be utilized. Thus, with this slightamount of movement, accuracy of out can be obtained, particularly whenutilized with a reciprocating type cutter which individually handleseach ear. With high speed operation, such as utilized in present rotarycutters, such sensitivity cannot be obtained due to the operationalspeeds utilized. That is, rotary cutters effect removal of the kernelsin approximately one-third of a second and not only is there relativelongitudinal movement between the blades and the corn, but the bladesmove rotationally as Well a distance of some thirty inches. The presentcutting head enables the kernels to be out much more efficient- 1y sothat the kernels removed are of a high quality and the recoverypercentage quite favorable.

As stated above, heretofore, reciprocating type of machines have usuallyembodied the provision of a unitary pusher rod assembly whichalternatively separates to move one car through one of the cutting headsduring movement in one direction and the next car through the oppositecutting head during movement in the opposite direction. Such machinescan be readily utilized with the cutting head of the present inventionand are preferably utilized to obtain the desired sensitivity at therate of approximately ninetytwo cars per minute. This means thatapproximately forty-six ears are moved through each cutting head duringone minute. However, the forty-six ears passing through each cut-tinghead is accomplished in a total time of thirty seconds and the remainingthirty seconds is utilized to return the pusher rod into a position toreceive the next ear.

The present invention also contemplates an improved reciprocating typemachine which is operable to handle an increased number of ears perminute over that of the conventional prior art reciprocating machine butin which speed of movement of the ears through the cutting head ismaintained at the same or reduced rate. Thus, the present inventioncontemplates a machine in which production is increased and at the sametime operational speed is maintained at a sufficiently low level so thatthe sensitivity of the cutting head is not detrimentally affected. It iscontemplated that with the use of the present machine and cutting head,increases of approximately eight to ten cases of canned corn, per ton,can be obtained, due to the increased efficiency in the cut and theincreased ear handling rate in conjuction with the decreased feedingrate of the machine.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide amachine of the type described having improved means for handling amaximum number of ears per unit time with a minimum rate of movement ofthe ears through the cutting head per unit time.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of amachine of the type described having a pair of pusher rods and improvedmeans for reciprocating the pusher rods so that the ears engaged therebywill be fed relatively slowly through the cutting head, but the pusherrods will be returned into a position to receive the next ear at arelatively fast rate.

In connection with the eflicient cutting which is obtained by thecutting head of the present invention, for the first time in the historyof the corn canning industry, it is possible to effect a selectionaccording to maturity or size of the ears being cut. As was statedabove, cut corn is graded by quality according to its moisture contentand it has been found that the moisture content is related to thematurity of the corn which, in turn, is related to the diameter size ofthe ears. That is, in general, the greater the maturity, the greater thediameter of the ear and the lesser the moisture content. Conversely, asmaturity decreases, size decreases, and moisture content increases. Inconjunction with this observation, it will also be remembered that thesize is directly related to the kernel depth. Thus, it is contemplatedby the present invention to gage or determine the size of the ear fed tothe machine and to subsequently separate the kernels obtained from thelarger size cars from the kernels obtained from the smaller size ears.In this way, a separation according to moisture content and henceaccording to quality, is automatically obtained. While it is within thecontemplation of the present invention to provide a separation accordingto more than two sizes, where separation according to just two sizes isobtained, it has been found that a moisture content difference of asmuch as ten points is evidenced in the two separations. Thus, with thepresent invention, this separation would enable the processor toup-grade the kernels from the smaller ears so that he could obtain abetter price and to either utilize the other large separation either asthe material for the cream constituent, which could be added to thefirst separation to thereby up-grade the entire production, or to besold by itself as a corn of less quality.

It can be seen that with the use of the present cutter head, inconjunction with the present machine, a relatively high rate of feed ofuncut ears to the machine can be maintained. However, the movement ofthe ears through the machine is at a sufliciently low speed, such thataccurate cutting control is possible. The adjustability features of thepresent cutting head enables each individual ear to be cut efficiently,so that a maximum recovery is obtained, with a minimum of deleteriousmaterial which would tend to reduce the quality. Finally, the presentmachine serves to automatically effect a separation of the kernels cutaccording to the size of the ears being cut. This enables the processorto achieve a further recovery in terms of quality, so that the presentmachine is capable of high capacity operation but yet achieves a maximumrecovery and a cut which insures a maximum quality output.

These and other objects of the present invention will become moreapparent during the course of the following detailed description andappended claims.

The invention may best be understood with reference to the accompanyingdrawings wherein illustrative embodiments are shown.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a corn cutting ma chine embodying theprinciples of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the machine with the ear handling tableremoved;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 33 ofFIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a front elevational view of the machine with certain partsremoved and/ or broken away for purposes of clearer illustration;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary rear View of the machine with theback frame wall broken away;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along theline 66 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along theline 7--7 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along theline 8-8 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged front elevational view of one of the cuttingheads of the machine;

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged rear elevational View of the cutting head;

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged side elevational view of the cutting head;

FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12-12 of FIGURE10;

FIGURE 13 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken alongthe line 13I3 of FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 14 is a schematic view of one link connection arrangement of thevariable motion transmitting means of the cutting head;

FIGURE 15 is a graph illustrating the depth of cut for various eardiameters obtained by the link connection arrangement shown in FIGURE14;

FIGURE 16 is a view similar to FIGURE 14 illustrating another linkconnection anrangement of the variable motion transmitting means;

FIGURE 17 is a graph similar to FIGURE 15 illustrating the depth of cutfor various ear diameters obtained by the link connection alrangernentshown in FIG- URE 16;

FIGURE 18 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken alongthe line 18ll8 of FIGURE 1 illustrating the kernel separation means;

FIGURE 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 1919 of FIGURE18;

FIGURE 20 is an enlarged side elevational view of one of theknob-actuated adjusting devices for the kernel separation means;

FIGURE 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 21-2I of FIGURE20;

FIGURE 22 is a wiring diagram illustrating the electrical circuit foroperating the kernel separating means; and

FIGURE 23 is a fragmentary end view, with parts broken away,illustrating a modified form of kernel separation means.

General Organization As best shown in FIGURES 1-4, the machine of thepresent invention includes a main frame 16 having a corn ear handlingtable or cover 13 disposed on its upper surface and mounted for pivotalmovement about a rearwardly disposed horizontal longitudinal axis, as bypivot brackets 13. Mounted on the main frame at opposite sides of thetable 12 is a pair of cutting heads I4 and 16. An ear-feeding mechanism18 is carried by the frame beneath the table and is operable to feedsuccessive ears alternately through one head and then the other. As bestshown in FIGURE 1, the table includes a pair of laterally offsetear-receiving openings 29 and 22 within which the operator deposits earsto be fed to the cutting heads. The upper surface of the table slopesdownwardly and outwardly on opposite sides of each opening and the upperedge surface along one side of each opening is above the upper edgesurface along the opposite side to facilitate handling of the earsthereon.

' The ear-feeding mechanism 18 includes a first pusher rod assembly 24movable at a relatively slow speed from a position of engagement withthe ear deposited in the opening 20 in a direction toward the cuttinghead 14 to rd '3 feed the ear therethrough and returnable at arelatively rapid speed to receive the next car deposited in the opening20. A second pusher rod assembly 26, of similar construction, isprovided to slowly feed the ear deposited in the opening 22 through thecutting head 16 during the return movement of the pusher bar assembly 24and to rapidly return to receive the next car deposited in the opening22 during the feeding movement of the pusher rod assembly 24.

An ear-centralizing and size-sensing means 28 is assoelated with thepusher rod assembly 24 to permit entry of the ear disposed in theopening 20, under proper conditions, into a position to be engaged bythe pusher rod assembly 24 and fed through the cutting head l14. Theear-centralizing and size-sensing means 28 is operable to resilientlyengage the ear about its periphery so as to guide it in properlycentered relation into the cutting head 14 during the feeding movementof the pusher rod assembly 24 and to sense the diameter size of each earfed to the cutting head. A similar ear-centralizing and size-sensingmeans 30' is associated with the pusher rod assembly 26 and cutting head16.

A kernel separation assembly 32 is mounted below the cutting head 14 ina position \to receive the cut kernels falling by gravity therefrom. Thekernel separation assembly 32 is operable to direct the cut kernelsalong a selected one of a plurality of different paths and is connectedwith the size-sensing means 28 so that the path of kernel direction willbe selected in accordance with the size ear sensed thereby. A similarkernel separation assembly 34 is associated with the cutting head 16 andsensing means 30.

The Ear Feeding Mechanism As best shown in FIGURE 3, the pusher rodassembly 24 of the ear-feeding mechanism 18 includes a reciprocatingcarriage 36 preferably constructed of a pair of cylindrical members 38rigidly interconnected by a horizontal web 40. The main frame 10includes opposed side walls 42 and 44 having rigidly extendingtherebetween a pair of horizontally disposed parallel guide bars 46 uponwhich the cylindrical members of the carriage are slidably mounted.

The carriage 36 is reciprocated along the bars 46 by means of a lever 48having its lower end pivotally mounted on the main frame, as by a shaft50, suitably jouinaled Within a lower base portion 52 of the frame andhaving its axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the axes ofthe parallel guide bars 46. The lever 48 is thus pivotally mounted formovement in a vertical plane parallel to the axes of the guide bars 46and has its upper end pivo al-ly interconnected with one end of a link54, the other end of which is pivotally connected between a pair ofdepending ears 56 extending from the end of the carriage 46 adjacent theside wall 42.

The lever 48 is oscillated by means of a cam, shown in detail in FIGURES4 and and generally indicated at 58. The cam 58 includes a main camtrack 60 arranged to receive a cam follower or roller 62 rotatablymounted on the lever 48 intermediate its ends by any suitable means. Thecam 58 is mounted for rotation on the main frame by means of a cam shaft64 having its rear end journaled within a suitable opening formed in arear wall 66 of the mainframe, as by roller bearings 68, and its forwardend journaled, as by roller bearing 70, within a suitable opening formedin a two-piece cover plate '72 suitably removably secured by anysuitable means, such as bolts or the like, to a forward wall 74 of themain frame above the base 52 thereof. As best shown in FIGURE 1, theforward wall 74 extends upwardly and forwardly from the cover plate 72and the area therebelow constitutes a space within which a suitablekernel conveying belt or the like (not shown) is positioned.

The cam 58 is suitably secured to the shaft 64 by any 6 suitable means,such as a key or the like, for rotation therewith and rotary motion isimparted to the shaft through a. gear train, generally indicated at 76,by a suitable motor 78 or the like. The drive shaft of the motor 78 isaranged to be detachably secured to a first auxiliary shaft 80 suitablyjournalcd in a suitable opening 81 in the rear wall 66, as by ballbearings 82, or the like; The shaft 80 has a small pinion gear 84rigidly secured thereto which meshes with a larger pinion gear 86journaled on a shaft 88 fixed between the rear wall 66 and the rear wallof an auxiliary housing 90, as by pin bearings 92. The large pinion gear86 has an axially extending hub portion defining a small pinion gear 94formed thereon which meshes with a cooperating large pinion gear 96fixed to the end of the cam shaft 64, as by a key 98 or the like. Itwill be seen that the rotary motion of the motor 78 is transmitted tothe cam shaft through the gear train means 76, including the smallpinion gear 84 cooperating with the larger pinion gear 86, the secondsmall pinion gear 94 and its cooperating larger pinion gear 96, which iskeyed to the cam shaft.

As best shown in FIGURE 4, the cam track 60 is formed so that thecarriage 36 will be reciprocated with a relatively slow rate of speed,in a direction toward the associated cutting head 14 and returned in arelatively rapid speed. To this end, the cam track includes a firstportion 100 which gradually increases in a distance from the axis of therotation of the cam shaft operable to effect movement of the carriagetoward the cutting head 14. The cam track 60 includes a second portion102 forming a continuation of the first portion 100, which rapidlydescreases in its distance from the axis of rotation for effecting thereturn of the carriage. Extending between the second portion and thefirst portion to form a continuous endless track is a third portion 104,which constitutes a sector of approximately 80 and which is equidistantfrom the axis of rotation. The-third portion 104 constitutes a dwell,during which an ear is fed to the machine preparatory to movement of thesame through the associated cutting head. The radial extent of the firstportion is somewhat greater to the radial extent of the second and thirdportions combined.

In a like manner, the pusher rod assembly 26 includes the carriage 106of a construction similar to the carriage 36 mounted on a pair of guidebars 108 for longitudinal reciprocating movement by a lever 110 havingits lower end mounted on the frame base 52 for pivotal movement about atransversely extending horizontal axis, as by a shaft 112 suitably fixedto the lower end of the lever and journaled on the frame base in spacedparallel relation to the shaft 50. The upper end of the lever 110 ispivotally connected with one end of a connecting link 114, the oppositeend of which is pivoted by a laterally extending apertured boss 116rigidly secured to one end of the carriage 166. Rotatably mounted on thelever 110 intermediate its ends is a cam roller 118 seated within thecam track 60 and movable by rotation of the cam to impart a cycle ofmovement to the lever 110 identical with the cycle of movement of thelever 48 but out of phase therewith approximately 1 80 Therefore, thecarriage 106 will move relatively slowly toward its associated head 16,will be returned rapidly, and will dwell in the returned positionmomentarily before commencing a slow movement again toward the cuttinghead 16. The movement of the carriage 106 toward the head 16 takes placeduring the return movement and dwell of the carriage 36 and vice versa.

As best shown in FIGURES 6' and 7, the ear centralizing and size-sensingmeans 28 associated with the carriage 36 includes a pair of opposedear-engaging members 120, each including a pair of longitudinally spaceddepending apertured legs 122 pivotally secured, as by pins 124 or thelike, to the side wall 44 of the main frame and an intermediate framesection 126 rigidly secured between the forward and rearward walls 74and 66 of the main frame just below the table 12 in a transverselyextending position intermediate the side walls thereof. The intermediatesection 126 includes spaced vertical plates 128 and 129 rigidlyinterconnected by cross-plates 130.

The ear-centralizing and size-sensing means 28 also includes a lowerear-engaging member 132 having a pair of longitudinally spaced arms 134extending laterally therefrom, the outer ends of which are rigidlysecured to a cylindrical bearing member 136 suitably fixed on a shaft138 carried by the associated side wall 44 and the intermediate section126. The opposed ear-engaging members 126 and lower en aging member 132are interconnected for pivotal movement together by means of abell-crank lever 146 secured to the shaft adjacent the vertical plate123 of the intermediate section 126. The bell-crank lever 149 has anupwardly extending arm 142, the outer end of which is bifurcated topivotally receive the upper end of an arm 146 fixed to the pivot pin 124of one of the ear-engaging members 120. The bell-crank lever 14% alsoincludes a horizontally inwardly extending arm 148 having its outer endpivotally con nected between the bifurcated end of the connecting link150, the opposite end of which is bifurcated to pivotally receive oneend of an arm 152 extending horizontally from and secured to the pivotpin 124 of the other earengaging member 120.

The ear-centralizing and size-sensing means 31) associated with thecutting head 16 includes upper ear-engaging members 154 similar to themembers 125) previously described, each having a pair of longitudinallyspaced downwardly extending legs 156. Fivot pins are rigidly secured tothe legs 156 and journaled in the associated side wall 42 of the mainframe and the vertical plate 129 of the intermediate section 126respectively. A lower ear-engaging member 166 includes a pair oflongitudinally spaced arms 162 extending horizontally therefrom andrigidly secured to a cylindrical bearing member 164 fixed to alongitudinally extending shaft 166 suitably mounted in the end wall 42of the main frame and the intermediate section 126. The ear-engagingmembers 154 and 160 are mounted for pivotal movement together by meansof a bell-crank lever 168 having an upwardly extending arm 17%)bifurcated to pivotally receive one end of a connecting link 172, theother end of which is bifurcated and pivotally receives the upper end ofan arm 174 rigidly secured to the pin 158 of one of the ear-engagingmembers 154. The bell-crank lever 168 includes a second generallyhorizontally extending arm 176, the outer end of which is pivotallyconnected to the upper bifurcated end of a connecting link 178, havingits lower end bifurcated to pivotally receive the outer end of a.horizontally extending arm 180 rigidly secured to the pin 158 of theother ear-engaging member 154.

The ear-engaging members 129 of the ear-centralizing and size-sensingmeans 23 are arranged to be moved into an open position to receive anear of corn during the dwell of the associated carriage 36 by amotion-transmitting mechanism which will now be described. Formed on thecam 58 on the side thereof opposite from the cam track 619 is anear-engaging member opening cam surface 182. Pivotally mounted on therear wall 66 of the main frame 10 is one end of a cam follower arm 184,the opposite end of which has a cam roller 186 journaled thereon.Pivotally connected with the cam follower arm 84- intermediate its end,is the lower bifurcated end of a connecting rod 188 which extendsupwardly through a spring-carrying member 1% for longitudinal slidingmovement with respect thereto. The spring-carrying member 1% includesupper and lower end walls which are centrally aperture to slidablyreceive the connecting rod 138. A helical coil spring 192 surrounds theupper end of the connecting rod and has its upper end engaged with theupper wall of the member 190 and its lower end engaged with a collar 194longitudinally adjustably secured by any suitable means to the upper endportion of the connecting rod. The spring-carrying member has its upperend fixedly connected to the lower end of a second connecting rod 196,the upper end of which is bifurcated and pivotally secured to the outerend of a horizontally extending arm 1% of the bell-crank lever 1 19fixed to the shaft 138.

In a like manner, the ear-engaging members 154 are moved into an openposition by means of a second cam follower arm 2% having one endpivotally mounted on the rear wall 66 of the main frame 19 and a camroller 202 jcurnaled on its opposite end for engagement with the camsurface 182. Pivotally mounted intermediate the ends of the cam followerarm 20"?) is the bifurcated lower end of a connecting rod 2%, the upperend of which extends through a spring-carrying member 2 36. The memher206 includes upper and lower centrally apertured end walls through whichthe connecting rod 2 is slidably mounted. A coil spring 268 is mountedin surrounding relation to the connecting rod between the end walls ofthe member 2% and has its lower end in engagement with the lower wall ofthe member 2% and its upper end in engagement with a collar 210longitudinally adjustably secured to the connecting rod 234 by anysuitable means. The upper end of the spring-carrying member 2% isconnected with the lower end of a second connecting rod 212, the upperend of which is bifurcated and pivotally connected to the outer end of ahorizontally extending arm 214 of a bell-crank lever 216 journaled onthe shaft The bell-crank lever 216 includes a second upwardly extendingarm 218 bifurcated to pivotally receive one end of a connecting link22%, the other end of which is pivotally connected to the birfurcatedupper end of the arm 17 it of the bell-crank lever 168.

The ear-engaging members and 132 associated with the cutting head 14 areresiliently urged into a closed or innermost position by means of a coilspring 222 surrounding one end of the shaft 138 and having one of itsends fixed thereto, as by a collar 22 adjustably secured to the shaft,and its other end secured to a horizontally extending bracket 226rigidly secured, as by bolts or the like, to the rear wall 66 of themain frame It and suitably apertured to receive the shaft 138. The outerend of the bracket 226 includes a laterally offset portion 228 throughwhich a vertically extending bolt 230 is threadedly engaged. The lowerheaded end of the bolt 23b is arranged to engage the outer end of an arm232 rigidly secured to the shaft 138. The innermost limiting position ofthe car-engaging members may be varied by turning the bolt 230, and thelatter is secured in any position of adjustment by means of a nut 234threaded thereon and arranged to be tightened into engagement with thelaterally extending portion of the bracket. Preferably, ashock-absorbing rubber block 235 is secured to the plate 128 in aposition to be engaged by the inner ends of the members 12%.

It will be seen that the ear-engaging members 129 and 132 associatedwith the carriage 36 are moved from their normally closed or inwardlimiting position to an open or outer limiting position against theaction of the spring 222 to receive an ear of corn by operation of thecam surface 1182, cam follower arm 184, connecting rod 188, spring 192,connecting rod 1% and bell-crank lever 140. The cam surface 182 isrelated to the cam track 60 such that the ear-engaging members 129 willbe moved into their open or outer limiting position to receive an ear ofcorn during the dwell of the associated carriage 36 prior to itsoperating stroke for moving the ear through the associated cutting head14. In order to effect movement of the ear gripped by the associatedear-engaging members 120 and 132, the pusher rod assembly 24 includes avertical web 238 extending upwardly from one of the cylindrical members38. Rigidly formed on the upper end of the web 233 is a pusher head 240fixedly receiving the inner end of a pusher rod 242 having its outer endformed with a suitable central prong for piercingly engaging the end ofthe ear of corn. The lower member 132 is suitably slotted to receive theweb 238 when disposed in its forwardmost position.

In a like manner, the ear-engaging members 154 and 160 associated withthe cutting head 16 are resiliently urged into a closed or innermostlimiting position by a coil spring 242 surrounding the end of the shaft166 and having one end rigidly secured thereto as by a collar 244adjustably fixed to the shaft. The other end of the coil spring is fixedto a bracket 246 secured to the front wall 74 of the main frame, as bybolts or the like, and suitably apertured to receive a shaft. The outerend of the bracket 246 includes a laterally extending portion 248 havinga vertically extending bolt 250 threadedly mounted therein. The lowerheaded end of the bolt is arranged to engage the outer end of an arm 252fixed to the shaft 166. The closed or inward limiting position of theear-engaging members 154 and 160 may be varied by turning the bolt 250and the latter is fixed into any position of adjustment by means of anut 254 threaded on the upper end thereof and arranged to be tightenedagainst the upper surface of the laterally extending portion 248 of thebracket 246. Preferably, a shock-absorbing rubber block 255 is securedto the plate 129 in a position to be engaged by the inner ends of themembers 154.

As before, the ear-engaging members 154 and 160 associated with thecutting head 16 are moved from their normally closed or inner limitingposition against the action of the spring 242 to an open or outerlimiting position to receive an ear of corn by means of the cam surface182, cam follower arm 200, connecting rod 284, spring 208, connectingrod 212, bell-crank lever 216, connecting link 220 and bell-crank lever170. The cam follower arm 280 is related to the cam surface 182 so thatthe associated ear-engaging members 154 and 160 will be moved into anopen or outward limiting position when the associated carriage 106 isdisposed in its dwell prior to its movement toward the associatedcutting head. In order to efiect movement of the ear engaged within theear-engaging members by the carriage, the pusher rod assembly 26includes a vertical web 256 integral with the inner cylindrical memberof the carriage and extending upwardly therefrom. A pusher head 258 isintegrally formed on the upper end of the web 256 and has the inner endof a pusher rod 260 rigidly secured thereto. The outer end of the pusherrod 260 is formed with a suitable central prong to piercingly engage theend of the ear gripped within the ear-engaging members 154 and 169.

In order to permit the ear feeding mechanism 18 to be manually moved, asby a hand crank or the like, a shaft 261 is suitably journaled on theintermediate frame section and drivingly connected with the shaft 80 bya belt and pulley arrangement or the like 263.

Cutting Head Since both of the cutting heads 14 and 16 are of identicalconstruction, a description of one should suffice to give anunderstanding of both. The cutting head 14 includes a main casing 262 ofgenerally cylindrical construction having one end thereof suitablysecured to the adjacent end wall of the main frame by any suitablemeans, such as bolts or the like, and disposed with its axis concentricwith the axis of the associated pusher rod.. Preferably, the upper endof the casing 262 includes an access opening which is closed by a door264 pivoted at one side to the casing. The lower portion of the casingis formed into a general funnel-shaped configuration and includes alower discharge opening 266 through which the cut kernels fall bygravity.

Extending outwardly from each side of thecasing 262 is a pair ofmounting ears 268 apertured to receive a suitable mounting pin 270. Acutting head plate or'support 272 of general disk-shape configurationhas a pair of spaced interconnected mounting ears 274 extending from 10each side thereof and apertured to receive the pins 270 extendingthrough the mounting ears 267 of the casing. It will be understood thatby removing either of the pins 270, the cutting head support 272 may bepivoted with respect to the casing about the other.

Referring now more particularly to FIGURES 9l3, the head support 272includes a central opening 276 through which therears of corn are fed bythe ear-feeding means 18, previously described. A circular boss 278 isformed on the rear surface of the support 272 and has a plurality ofcylindrical bearing sleeves 280 extending therefrom in equalcircumferentially spaced relation around the axis of the opening 276.Extending through each bearing sleeve 280 and a suitable aperture formedin the boss 278 is a stub shaft 282 having the forward end thereofrigidly secured to a cutting blade mounting arm 284 and the rear endthereof fixedly secured to a collar 286 by any suitable means. Eachblade mounting arm 284 has detachably mounted on the inner end thereof,as by bolts 288 or the like, a cutting blade 290, which is preferablyconstructed in the manner indicated in the United States patent tocover, No. 2,141,346, issued December 28, 1938. The six cutting blades290 on the mounting arms 284 extend in a general longitudinal directionand are disposed to cut in a substantial circle concentric with the axisof the opening 276. Disposed rearwardly of each cutting blade is alongitudinally extending runner 292 of 'the type described in theaforementioned patent.

The mounting arms 284 are connected for movement together between innerand outer limiting positions by a series of connecting links 294. Tothis end, each of the mounting arms 284 includes an extension 296directed outwardly from the associated stub shaft 282. The head supportadjacent each extension is provided with an elongated slot 298 arcuateabout the axis of the associated shaft 282. A bolt 300 extends througheach slot 298 and is threaded into the outward extension of theassociated arm and carries adjacent its headed end a ball 302. Eachconnecting link 294 is provided with a socket 304 at each end thereof toengage a ball 302 carried by the associated bolt. The socket-carryingend portions of each connecting link 294' are adjustable longitudinallyby any suitable means, such as a turn-buckle 306 or the like. It will beunderstood that a connecting link 294 is extended between each pair ofadjacent mounting arms 284. However, since five connecting links aresufficient to interconnect all six of the mounting arms for movementtogether, two of the adjacent extensions 296 have only a single bolt 300connected therewith and no connecting link is provided therebetween. Itwill be seen that by this arrangement of connecting links, all of themounting arms carrying the cutting blades 298 are movable together,between inner and outer limiting positions, so as'to accommodate ears ofvarious sizes.

Disposed closely adjacent the cutting blades 290 is a plurality of equalcircumferentially spaced depth gage elements 308 arranged to engage theear prior to its contact with the cutting blades. Preferably, four ormore depth gage elements 308 are utilized and, as shown, six areprovided. Each of the depth gage elements 308 has one end of a generallyhook-shaped mounting arm 310 I rigidly secured thereto. Each ofthe'mounting arms 310 has a shaft 312 rigidly secured thereto andextending through a suitable-aperture 'formed in the circular boss 278and in integral bearing sleeves 313 extending from both sides of thesupport. Four of the mounting arm shafts 312 are disposed within theupper half of the mounting plate in equal circumferentially spacedrelation and the mounting arms 310 associated therewith are generallyoriented in the same relation with respect to each other. The remainingtwo mounting arm shafts 312 are also disposed in the upper-sector of thehead support 272 so as to retain the space below the cutting blades 290free from structure which would be disposed within the path of movementof the kernels falling by gravity after they have been cut. Theelimination of permanent structure below the cutting blades eliminatesthe possibility of material accumulation which would lead to unsanitaryconditions within the cutting head. It will be noted that the remainingtwo mounting arm shafts 312 are disposed within the head supportadjacent the intermediate two of the first four mentioned shafts and thehook-shaped mounting arms 310 thereof are disposed in a general oppositedirection from the direction of the extent of the remaining fourmounting arms.

The depth gage elements 308 carried by the mounting arms 310 areconnected for movement together between inner and outer limitingpositions in the following manner. The four equally spaced arms havecollars 314 mounted on the rear end of their shafts, which collars havearms 316 extending radially outwardly therefrom. A connecting link 318,similar to the connecting links 294 previously described, are connectedbetween each pair of adjacent mounting arms and, as clearly shown inFIGURE 10, three such connecting rods are shown. Each of the remainingtwo mounting arms has secured to the rear ends of their shafts a collar320 having a sector of gear teeth 322 formed thereon. The gear teeth 322are arranged to mesh with gear teeth of a sector 324 formed on a secondcollar 326 secured to the adjacent shaft 312. In this way, all of thedepth gage elements are movable together between inner and outerlimiting positions.

A significant feature of the present cutting head is the provision ofmeans for transmitting the movement of the depth gage elements to thecutting blades soas to obtain any desired rate of movement of the latterwithin a wide range of adjustment. To this end, there is provided acontrol lever 328 having one end rigidly secured to one of the collars286 of the cutting blade mounting arm shafts 282. A second control lever330 disposed generally parallel with the control lever 328 has one endthereof secured to one of the toothed collars 320 fixed to the end of adepth gage mounting arm shaft 312.

The outer end of each control lever has connected therebetween avariable motion-transmitting mechanism, generally indicated at 332,which is readily adjustable to permit a wide variation in thecharacteristic movement of the cutting blades for a given movement ofthe depth gage elements. As shown, the outer end of the depth gagecontrol lever 330 is enlarged and provided with a plurality of spacedapertures, three apertures being i1- lustrated and designated by theletters A, B and C respectively. A connecting link 334 has onebifurcated end apertured for selective connection to one of theapertures A, B and C, by a quick entry and release pivot pin of a knownconstruction, indicated at 336. The opposite end of the connecting link334 is bifurcated to receive therebetween a plate 338 pivoted to a pin340 adjacent one end and provided with a plurality of spaced aperturesselectively registrable with an aperture formed in the bifurcated end ofthe connecting rod. A pin 341, similar to the pin 336, is provided toengage within the selected registering apertures. While any number ofapertures may be provided within the pivoted plate 338, as shown, thereare eight such apertures which are indicated respectively by the lettersD, E, F, G, H, I, J

and K.

Referring now more particularly to FIGURE 13, the pivoted blade 338 isconnected to the opposite end of the blade control lever 328 through anadjustment device, generally indicated at 342. The adjustment deviceincludes a block 344 having a pair of spaced arms 346 extendinglongitudinally outwardly therefrom. The outer ends of the arms 346 areprovided with trunnions 348 arranged to engage within suitable aperturesformed in the bifurcated outer end of the control lever 328. The block344 is centrally apertured to receive a stem 3S9 threaded at one endwithin a slide member 352 and having a knurled knob 354 secured to itsopposite end outwardly of the block 34-4. The stem 350 is secured withinthe block against longitudinal movement by any suitable means, such as acollar 356, engaging the inner end of the block. Preferably, the innersur' face of the knob 354 is notched, as at 358, at circumferentiallyspaced positions to receive a ball 36%) slidably mounted within a bore362 formed in the block in parallel spaced relation to the centralaperture therein. The ball 3-59 is spring-urged outwardly by anysuitable means, such as a coil spring 3&4 seating within the bore 362and engaging the ball 36%. The slide member 352 has its upper and lowersurfaces grooved adjacent one end portion thereof, as indicated at 366,to receive the spaced arms 3 .6 of the block and the opposite endthereof is bifurcated to receive therebetween the pivoted plate 338. Itwill be understood that a quick coupling pin 36%, similar to the pin 336previously described, is preferably utilized to selectively connect theapertured bifurcated end of the slide member 352 in any one of theapertures formed in the pivoted plate.

It will be seen that by turning the adjusting knob 354, the distancebetween the trunnions 348 and coupling pin 368 may be suitably varied.The spring-pressed ball 36%) seating within the notches 358 serves toretain the adjusting device 342 in different positions of adjustment. Inorder to indicate the position of adjustment of the device, the uppersurface of the slide member defined by the upper groove 366 iscalibrated with the letters L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V and W.

As best shown in FIGURE 10, the cutting blades, as Well as the depthgage elements connected therewith, are resiliently urged inwardly bymeans of a tension spring 379 having one end secured to a pin 372 fixedto the support and its other end connected with a plate 374. The plate374- is provided with a plurality of apertures 376 and a hook-likehandle 378. A pin 380, having an annular groove adjacent its upper end,is rigidly secured to the control link 328 intermediate its ends and theplate 374 is connected therewith by selective engagement of one of theapertures 376 over the pin 380 and in the annular groove therein. Inthis way, the tension exerted by the spring 378 may be varied byselectively engaging the pin within any one of the holes provided.

It will be understood that in addition to the movement of the cuttingblades in response to the movement of the depth gage elements, a manualmovement may also be effected. To this end, one of the cutting blademountarm shafts 282 has a hand lever 332 extending from the collar 2%fixed to the end thereof. A stop memher 884 is adjustably secured to thesupport, as by bolts 385, in the path of movement of the hand lever tolimit the inward movement of the cutting blades and depth gage elementsunder the action of the spring 370. The outward movement of the cuttingblades and depth gage elements is limited by a stop disk 386 mounted onthe shaft 282 adjacent the adjusting device in a position to engage theside of the slide member 352 thereof.

Extending from the upper end of the casing 262 is a pair of horizontallyspaced ears 383 apertured to receive a pivot pin 3%. A cover plate 392has a pair of spaced ears 3% formed on the upper end thereof to receivethe pivot pin 3% between the ears 338 of the casing. The cover plateincludes a slot 396 through which the hand lever 382 extends when thecover plate is in operative position, so that the cutting blades andepth gage elements may be moved manually from the exterior of themachine. The cover plate is centrally apertured and includes acylindrical chute construction 3% which extends within the opening ofthe mounting plate to receive the cobs issuing from the cutting bladesand to direct the same downwardly. It will be under- 13 stood that anysuitable means may be provided to handle the cobs discharging from thechute.

In order to prevent the feeding of an ear by the earfeeding means in theevent that the preceding ear should become clogged within the cuttinghead to thereby prevent proper introduction of the next subsequent ear,means generally indicated at 400 is provided to prevent the ear-engagingmembers from opening in the event that the depth gage arms fail to closeafter passage of the ear therein. As best shown in FIGURE 8, the means400 includes an arm 402 having a rounded portion 484 extending laterallyfrom the outer end thereof and disposed in the path of inward movementof one of the depth gage mounting arms 310 of the cutting head. Theinner end of the arm 482 is secured to one end of a stub shaft 486,suitably journaled within an extension housing 488 formed in theadjacent end wall 44 of the frame.

Secured to the shaft 486 between the end wall and the extension housing498 is a short arm 410 having a bifurcated outer end provided with apivot pin 412. The pivot pin 412 is transversely apertured, as indicatedat 414, to threadedly receive the upper threaded end of a connecting rod416. A nut 418 is threaded on the upper end of the connecting rod 416 inengagement with the pivot pin 412 .to lock the same in differentpositions of longitudinal adjustment. The lower end of the con nectingrod 416 is reduced, as at 418, and extends through a transverse aperture420 formed in a pivot pin 422 journaled intermediate the ends of aresilient locking arm 424. The inner end of the locking arms 424 ispivoted, as by shaft 426, within the extension housing 488 of the mainframe and the outer end thereof is provided With a notched abuttingsurface 428. The locking arm 424 is urged upwardly by a spring 438having its upper end connected with the arm and its lower end seatedwithin a socket 432 formed in the extension housing 488. The spring4130, which is considerably lighter than the spring 378 of the cuttinghead, urges the notched abutting surface 428 of the locking arm upwardlyinto a position to engage the outer end surface 434 of a cooperatinglocking arm 436 rigidly secured to the shaft 138, which controls theoperation of the associated earengaging members 120 and 132. A means438, similar to the means 4%, is provided between the cutting head 16and its associated shaft 166.

It will be seen that so long as the depth gage mounting arms 3 are movedinto their innermost limiting position after the passage of the eartherethrough, the lever arm 482 will be moved downwardly therewith,which in turn effects a movement of the locking arm 424 away from thelocking arm 436 against the action of the spring 430, through the arm410 and connecting rod 416, thus permitting the shaft 1'38 (or 166) tobe rotated in response to the actuation of the bell-crank lever 140 (or170) by engagement of the cam surface 182 with the cam follower arm 184(or 200).

Separation Assembly Mounted within the housing 440 is a deflector gate442 having a shaft 444 extending through the lower end thereof andjournal'ed in the lower end of the housing 440. The upper end of thedeflector gate 442 is resiliently urged into engagement with one wall ofthe upper end of the easing by a coil spring 446 having one end thereofsecured to the housing 440 and the opposite end thereof secured to theouter end of an arm 448 of a bell-crank 450 secured to one end of theshaft 444. It will be observed that with the deflector gate urged intoits limiting position by the spring 446, the kernels passing from thedischarge opening of the casing into the housing will be deflectedtoward one side of the housing, so as to be deposited or to pass fromthe lower end of the housing onto a suitable conveyor (not shown) or thelike, at one side of the housing. In order to move the deflector gateinto an opposed position, wherein the kernels are directed to theopposite side of the housing, there is provided a solenoid, generallyindicated at 452. The solenoid includes a coil 454 having a plunger 456slidably mounted therein. The lower end of the plunger 456 is pivotallyconnected with one end of a link 458, the opposite end of which isconnected with the outer end of an arm 460 formed on the bell-crank 450.It will be seen that by energizing the coil of the solenoid, thedeflector gate will move so that its upper end will engage the oppositewall of the lower end of the casing, thereby directing the kernelspassing therethrough to the opposite side of the housing.

Energization of the solenoid 452 is controlled by the operation of theear-centralizing and size-sensing means associated with the cuttinghead. Since the ear-engaging members 120 and 132 are movedsimultaneously with the shaft 138, associated with the cutting head 14,energization of the solenoid can be made dependent upon the rotativeposition assumed by the shaft 138 when the ear is engaged by theear-engaging members. To this end, a microswitch 462 is associated withthe shaft 138 and is carried by the main frame for operation in responseto the turning movement of the shaft. Preferably, the microswitch 462 isof the normally open type which is closed when actuated.

In order to actuate the microswitch, a micrometer adjustment device,generally indicated at 464, is provided which includes a sleeve member466 having a pivot pin 468 extending laterally therefrom intermediateits ends arranged to be disposed within a suitable aperture formed inthe arm 198 of the bell-crank lever 140 fixed to the shaft 138. As bestshown in FIGURES 20 and 21, one end of the sleeve member 466 isenlarged, as indicated at 470, and has one end of a knurled knob 472mounted in abutting relation thereto. The adjacent surface of theknurled knob is provided with circumferential notches 474 within which aball 476 is arranged to engage. The ball is mounted within a parallelbore 478 formed in-the sleeve member and is resiliently urged outwardlyof the bore by means of a spring 480 disposed within the bore andengaging the ball. Secured to the knob 472 is one end of a threaded stem482 which extends outwardly through the sleeve member 466 and has itsopposite end threaded within a threaded boss 484 formed on the outer endof a laterally offset bar 486. The opposite end of the bar ispivotallyconnected with one end of a connecting link 488, the oppositeend of which is pivotally connected with a bracket secured to the endwall of the main frame. The connecting link has a lateral projection 490formed thereon intermediate its ends for engagement with the microswitchto actuate the same.

It will be seen that when the ear-engaging members 120 and 132 are openas a result of the cam surface 182 engaging the cam roller 186,bell-crank lever arm 198 will be moved upwardly, which in turn willeffect an upward movement of the micrometer adjusting device ,464. Thus,the normally opened microswitch 462 will be actuated. When the camsurface 182 terminates to permit the bell-crank lever arm 198 to againmove upwardly, he associated ear-engaging members 120 and 132 will'be vmoved resiliently inwardly until they assume gripping

1. IN A CORN CUTTING MACHINE, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING AN ELONGATEDFRAME, CUTTING MEANS DISPOSED AT EACH OF THE OPPOSITE ENDS OF SAIDFRAME, SAID CUTTING MEANS HAVING PARALLEL CUTTING AXES EXTENDINGLONGITUDINALLY OF SAID FRAME IN TRANSVERSELY SPACED RELATION, EACH OFSAID CUTTING MEANS COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF CUTTING BLADES ARRANGEDCIRCUMFERENTIALLY ABOUT THE ASSOCIATED CUTTING AXIS, A PAIR OFTRANSVERSELY SPACED EAR GUIDING AND CENTRALIZING MEANS CARRIED BY SAIDFRAME, EACH GUIDING MEANS BEING ASSOCIATED WITH ONE OF SAID CUTTINGMEANS AND HAVING AN EAR GUIDING AND CENTRALIZING AXIS LONGITUDINALLYALIGNED WITH THE AXIS OF THE ASSOCIATED CUTTING MEANS, A PAIR OFPARALLEL PUSHER RODS, EACH PUSHER ROD BEING ASSOCIATED WITH ONE OF SAIDGUIDING MEANS AND HAVING AN EAR ENGAGING END, MEANS SEPARATELY MOUNTINGEACH OF SAID PUSHER RODS ON SAID FRAME FOR LONGITUDINAL TRANSLATIONALMOVEMENT AXIALLY THROUGH THE ASSOCIATED GUIDING MEANS FROM AN EARRECEIVING POSITION WHEREIN SAID EAR ENGAGING PUSHER ROD END IS DISPOSEDIN SPACED RELATION WITH RESPECT TO THE ASSOCIATED CUTTING MEANS ADISTANCE SUFFICIENT TO PERMIT AN EAR OF CORN TO BE POSITIONED IN THEASSOCIATED GUIDING MEANS BETWEEN SAID PUSHER ROD END AND THE ASSOCIATEDCUTTING MEANS TO AN EAR DISCHARGING POSITION WHEREIN SAID EAR ENGAGINGPUSHER ROD END IS OPERABLE TO MOVE AN EAR ENGAGED THEREBY OUTWARDLY OFTHE ASSOCIATED GUIDING MEANS AND THROUGH THE ASSOCIATED CUTTING MEANS,AND POWER OPERATED MEANS CARRIED BY SAID FRAME OPERATIVELY CONNECTEDWITH BOTH OF SAID PUSHER RODS FOR MOVING ONE OF SAID PUSHER RODS THROUGHA CYCLE OF MOVEMENT FROM SAID EAR RECEIVING POSITION TO SAID EARDISCHARGING POSITION AT A RELATIVELY SLOW SPEED SO AS TO FEED AN EARTHROUGH THE ASSOCIATED CUTTING MEANS AND THEN FROM SAID EAR DISCHARGINGPOSITION TO SAID EAR RECEIVING POSITION AT A RELATIVELY HIGH SPEED SO ASTO RECEIVE ANOTHER EAR AND FOR MOVING THE OTHER OF SAID PUSHER RODSTHROUGH AN IDENTICAL CYCLE OF MOVEMENT 180* OUT OF PHASE WITH THE CYCLEOF MOVEMENT OF SAID ONE PUSHER ROD.